Local Education Authorities

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what additional revenue
373W
is allowed to local education authorities over the capping levels to provide the additional services to meet local demands? [38789]

Under the 1995–96 capping criteria even those local education authorities budgeting above their standard spending assessment were able to increase their budgets
374W
by a minimum of 0.5 per cent. over the previous year. Within its overall budget, it is a matter for each authority to decide on its relative priorities in the light of local needs.

We will announce our provisional decisions on the local government finance settlement for 1996–97 and our intentions for capping shortly after the Chancellor's Budget statement. We will consult authorities and others on our proposals at that time.